Non-spillable beverage container and straw

ABSTRACT

A non-spillable beverage container. The container includes a cover having a straw opening and a second vent opening. The vent opening is covered by a diaphragm attached at a plurality of points on the second vent opening. The diaphragm prevents the passage of air through the vent opening. With the vent opening covered, liquid contained within the container is locked within the container and prevented from exiting through a straw inserted within the straw opening. When a user inhales through the straw, air drawn through the straw from the interior of the container causes the diaphragm to bend downwardly and allow the passage of air into the container. The liquid may then exit through the straw. When the user discontinues inhaling through the straw, the diaphragm closes the vent opening and prevents liquid from exiting via the straw.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a co-pending U.S.patent application (Ser. No. 09/829,893) entitled “NON-SPILLABLEBEVERAGE CONTAINER,” filed Apr. 10, 2001 in the names of Hongbiao Li.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to beverage containers and, moreparticularly, to a beverage container having a cover preventing theinadvertent spillage of liquids contained within the beverage container.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] It is quite common for a beverage container to be accidentallytipped over, causing the liquid contents of the beverage container tospill out of the interior of the beverage container. Many times thebeverage container is utilized in an area where it is particularlyundesirable to spill the contents, such as within the interior of anautomobile. In addition, the problem of spillage is particular acutewhen dealing with children. Children tend to be clumsy and not ascautious as adults, resulting in even a greater risk of spillage of thebeverage container. A beverage container is needed which provides aneffective and economical way of preventing unwanted spillage of thecontents of the beverage container.

[0006] Although there are no known prior art teachings of a solution tothe aforementioned deficiency and shortcoming such as that disclosedherein, prior art references that discuss subject matter that bears somerelation to matters discussed herein are U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,640 toLottick (Lottick), U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,635 to Whittaker (Whittaker),U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,705 to Lynd et al. (Lynd), and PCT PatentApplication Number PCT/CA92/00170 to Castro (Castro).

[0007] Lottick discloses a non-spillable drinking container having aresiliently flexible material with a drinking straw sealably mountedtherethrough. The drinking straw is moveable toward and away from thebottom of the container. The lower end of the drinking tube is providedwith an elastic diaphragm connected to the bottom of the container.Tension on the drinking straw away from the bottom of the containercauses the lower end of the tube to be lifted away from the bottom andperforations in the diaphragm to be stretched open to allow fluid flowthrough the perforations in the diaphragm and out through the drinkingstraw. In the absence of tension being applied to the drinking strawcauses it to be pulled away from the bottom of the container. Holdingthe container upside down or the application of pressure on the walls ofthe container will not cause liquid to leak from the non-spillabledrinking container. Although Lottick utilizes the diaphragm to preventthe exit of liquids located in the container, Lottick does not teach orsuggest utilizing the second opening to regulate the fluid exit from thecontainer.

[0008] Whittaker discloses a fluid containment and access device for usewith a beverage container having an upper beaded rim and an opening forflow of the contents from within the volume of the container.Additionally the device includes a flexible lid, an integral straw, anda vent with a closure. The lid fits securely upon the top of thebeverage container to form a fluid-tight seal. The straw has a first endextending above the lid and a second end that extends through theopening substantially to the bottom of the container. The vent closureis moveable between a first position to permit the flow of air into thecontainer and a second position to prevent the flow of air into thebeverage container. Again, although Whittaker discloses a beveragecontainer having two openings, a straw, and a means for opening andclosing the second opening to allow or prevent the flow of fluids fromthe straw, Whittaker does not teach or suggest the opening and closingof the second opening by inhaling through the straw. Whittaker requiresthe manual opening and closing of the second opening.

[0009] Lynd discloses a bottle and drinking tube assembly for dispensingliquids. The bottle has an open top body formed from a resilient plasticmaterial and adapted to be collapsed upon application of moderate handpressure and a cap for closing the top through which the bottle isfilled. An aperture is formed in the cap for receiving an elongateddrinking tube that extends to the bottom of the bottle and has an endexterior of the bottle from which the liquid is discharged. A fluid sealis formed between the cap and tube. A selectively operable venting valveis also provided in the cap to alternately permit airflow into thebottle enabling the user to sip the liquid through the tube or toprevent fluid outflow from the bottle when the bottle is collapsed toforcibly expel liquid through the tube. Additionally, Lynd discloses acontainer having two openings which includes an openable vent located atthe second opening. However, Lynd suffers from the disadvantage ofrequiring the manual opening and closing of the vent, rather than theopening of the vent being regulated by the user's inhalation.

[0010] Castro discloses a non-spillable drinking cup having a perforatedcover and an internally and resiliently hinged flap for closing theperforation in the cover. The perforation is located adjacent theperiphery of the cup for allowing the upper lip of the user todownwardly press the cover to open the perforation. Additionally, thecover cup includes a vent which opens when the user is pressing againstthe cover with his lip. However, Castro does not teach or suggestutilizing the inhalation of the user to open the vent. Rather, Castrorequires the downward pressure by a user's lip on the cover to open thevent, which can be extremely difficult for children to operate.

[0011] Thus, it would be a distinct advantage to have a device forpreventing the inadvertent spillage of liquids from the interior of abeverage container, yet requires no additional manipulation by a user ofthe beverage container. It is an object of the present invention toprovide such an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention is a non-spillablecontainer. The container includes a beverage container holding a liquidwithin an interior of the container and a cover attached to thecontainer. The cover includes a straw opening sized to accommodate astraw and a vent opening having selectably closing means for preventingthe passage of liquid and air through said opening. A straw is insertedwithin the straw opening. The straw includes a straw having a closeableorifice running longitudinally through a length of the straw. When theorifice is closed, the liquid is prevented from passing through thestraw. When a user inhales through the straw, the orifice is opened toallow the passage of liquid through the orifice. The vent opening isbiased closed when a user is not drinking from the container and openswhen the user inhales through the straw causing the vent opening to beopened and liquid to pass through the straw.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention is a selectablycloseable straw for use on a beverage container. The straw includes astraw having a closeable orifice running longitudinally through a lengthof the straw. When the orifice is closed, the liquid is prevented frompassing through the straw. When a user inhales through the straw, theorifice is opened to allow the passage of liquid through the orifice.

[0014] In still another embodiment, the present invention is anon-spillable container. The container includes a beverage containerholding a liquid within an interior of the container and a cover. Thecover includes a straw opening sized to accommodate a straw and a ventopening having a diaphragm covering the vent opening. The diaphragm isbiased to a closed position to prevent the passage of air through theopening. In addition, a straw is inserted within the straw opening. Thevent opening is biased closed when a user is not drinking from thecontainer and opens when the user inhales through the straw, causing thediaphragm to open and allow the passage of air through the vent opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention will be better understood and its numerous objectsand advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art byreference to the following drawings, in conjunction with theaccompanying specification, in which:

[0016]FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views of the containerhaving a cover in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a top view of the cover removed from the container inthe preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a top view of the cover in an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the cover removed from thecontainer in a second alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the cover in a thirdalternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of FIG. 5 with the petalsopened outwardly when a user is drinking in the third alternateembodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the straw illustrating afourth alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023]FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of the straw of FIG. 7Aillustrating the sections in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present invention is a beverage container preventing theinadvertent spillage of liquids contained within the interior of thebeverage container. FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views of thecontainer 20 having a cover 22 in the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The cover 22 includes a straw opening 24 having astraw 26 inserted within the opening. The cover 22 also includes anorifice 28 covered by a diaphragm 30. Additionally, seepage from an areaaround the outer surface of the inserted straw and the straw opening maybe optionally prevented by use of a conventional sealing device 32common in some types of beverage container/straw combinations.

[0025] The cover 22 may be constructed of any material preventing theseepage of liquids contained in the beverage container 20. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover is constructedof a conventional plastic material commonly used in beverage containercovers. Additionally, the straw 26 may be constructed and configuredsimilarly to any conventional straw used in existing beveragecontainers. For the present invention to work in its best mode, thecover 22 must provide an air tight seal between the cover and thecontainer to prevent air flow through the edges of the cover. Thebeverage container may be any shape and constructed of any materialwhich allows liquid to be container within the interior of thecontainer.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a top view of the cover 22 removed from the container 20in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The diaphragm 30covers the orifice 28 and is constructed of a material preventing thetransfer of liquid and air contained within the container from exitingthrough the orifice. In the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the diaphragm is constructed of an elastomeric material orany flexible material. The diaphragm 30, in the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, is affixed to the cover 22 on two edges 42 a and42 b of the orifice. Preferably, the edges 42 a and 42 b are affixed bya glue substance, however, the diaphragm may be affixed to the orificein various configurations. Alternatively, the diaphragm may beintegrally constructed with the cover. In various other embodiments, thediaphragm may be affixed to different points on the edges of theorifice. Additionally, the orifice, as well as the diaphragm may be anyshape (e.g., square, triangle, etc.). In the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the diaphragm allows air to enter the interior of thecontainer when a user inhales through the straw 26 (with the coverattached to the container 20).

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation of the container20 and the cover 22 will now be explained. A beverage is containedwithin the interior of the container 20. The cover 22 is affixed to thetop of the container in a conventional manner, preferably forming an airtight seal. The straw is inserted through the straw opening 24.Preferably, the sealing device 32 or any other sealing device is used toprevent seepage of the liquid from exiting from around the outer surfaceof the straw and the straw opening. The diaphragm 30 covers the orifice28. When the cover is placed on the container, an air tight seal betweenthe outer edges of the cover and the upper portion of the container ispreferably created. Additionally, since the orifice 28 is covered, thepassage of air is prevented through the orifice. The closure of theorifice prevents liquid from exiting through the straw. By preventingthe passage of air through all openings except the straw, liquid isprevented from exiting via the straw.

[0028] When a user of the container 20 wishes to drink, the use inhalesand sucks on the straw 26. By drawing air through the straw from theinterior of the container, the air pressure within the interior of thecontainer is decreased. Additionally, the diaphragm is sucked inwardlytoward the interior of the container. Since the diaphragm is onlyattached at one or more points on the orifice 28, the diaphragm flexesdownwardly and air is allowed to enter the interior of the containerthrough points of the diaphragm not attached to the orifice. By allowingair to enter the interior of the container, the user can easily draw outliquid from the container via the straw. Once the user discontinuesinhaling on the straw, the air pressure within the interior of thecontainer is equalized with the outside pressure, thereby allowing thediaphragm to return to its original position (i.e., flat against theorifice 28). The diaphragm then prevents air from entering or exitingthe interior of the container through the orifice 28. Additionally, asdiscussed above, the liquid is prevented from exiting through the straw26. Thus, when the container is not being used for drinking, no liquidsmay exit from the container. Additionally, the user can automaticallydrink from the container by merely inhaling (sucking) on the straw.Thus, no additional manipulation is required by the user.

[0029]FIG. 3 is a top view of the cover 22 in an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention. In this configuration, the diaphragm 30 includestwo cross slits 44. The slits may allow the passage of air through theorifice while preventing the passage of liquid from exiting through theorifice. Alternatively, the diaphragm may have just one slit.Additionally, the diaphragm may be completely connected with theorifice, rather than only being connected at specific points along theedge of the orifice, as discussed for FIG. 2.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, the operation of this alternate embodimentwill now be explained. As discussed above, the cover 22 is affixed tothe top portion of the container 20. The straw 26 is inserted into thestraw opening 24. The diaphragm 30 covers the orifice 28. Without theuser inhaling on the straw, the contents of the container cannot exitthrough the straw. The diaphragm prevents air from entering the interiorof the container, which prevents any liquid from exiting through thestraw. Additionally, the diaphragm prevents the exit of any liquidthrough the orifice 28. When the user desires to drink, the user inhalesthrough the straw, thereby causing air to be sucked outwardly from theinterior of the container. This outflow of air causes the slits 44 to bedrawn downwardly, thus providing an opening of the orifice 28. With theorifice opened, air may enter the interior of the container. By allowingthe air to enter the interior of the container, liquid may be drawn outthrough the straw by the user. When the user discontinues use of thestraw, the diaphragm returns to its original position (i.e., closed).Thus, in the closed configuration, no liquids may exit from thecontainer.

[0031] Alternatively to utilizing the orifice 28, the cover may includea covering 29 with a plurality of small holes 31. The covering 29 may beconstructed of an elastomeric material. When the user is not inhalingthrough the straw 26, the covering 29 is in a closed state whereby theholes are closed. When the user inhales through the straw, air is drawnout from the interior of the container, which causes the covering toflex downwardly. The flexing of the covering allows the holes to openand air to pass through the covering. In an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention, one or more small holes may be located on the cover22 or on the beverage container 20. The hole or holes must remain in aclosed position, yet open when the user inhales through the straw. Anycloseable opening may be used which is actuated to an open position uponthe inhalation by the user through the straw.

[0032]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the cover 22 removed fromthe container 20 in a second alternate embodiment of the presentinvention. In this version, the orifice 28 includes a downwardlyextending tube 50 having a small vent opening 52. The tube provides anopening leading through the vent opening into an interior portion of thebeverage container (when the cover is attached to the container). Thetube opening includes a diaphragm 54 covering the vent opening 52. Thediaphragm 54 may be affixed in the same manner as diaphragm 30 (i.e.,affixed at one or more points along an edge of the vent opening). Thediaphragm 54 is preferably constructed of a flexible material preventingthe passage of liquids and air when in the closed position.

[0033] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 also works in a similarfashion as discussed for FIGS. 1-3. The cover 22 is attached to thecontainer 20, forming an air tight seal. The orifice is covered by thetube 50 extending into the interior of the container. The tube includesthe vent opening 52, which is covered by the diaphragm 54. As with thediaphragm 30, the diaphragm 54 is preferably only partially affixed tothe vent opening. When the user is not inhaling through the straw 26,the diaphragm 54 completely covers the vent opening 52, thus preventingthe exit of liquids within the container and the entrance or exit ofair. By preventing the flow of air through the vent opening, the liquidscontained within the interior of the container cannot exit through thestraw. When the user inhales through the straw, air is drawn from theinterior of the container, causing the diaphragm to bend inwardly. Thisinward pull of the diaphragm 54 allows air to pass through the ventopening. With the allowance of the passage of air through the ventopening, liquid contained within the container may then be drawn outthrough the straw by the user.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the cover 22 in a thirdalternate embodiment of the present invention. In this alternateembodiment, the orifice 28 includes a plurality of openable petals 60.Although FIG. 5 illustrates two petals, any plurality of petals may beused. FIG. 5 illustrates the petals in the closed position, preventingthe passage of liquids or air flow. In the closed position, no liquidsor air passes through the orifice 28. The petals are biased to theclosed position.

[0035]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of FIG. 5 with the petals 60opened outwardly when a user is drinking in the third alternateembodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, when the userinhales through the straw 26 (not shown in FIG. 6), the air pressurewithin the interior of the container 20 is decreased, thereby causingthe expansion (opening of the petals 60). This opening of the orifice 28allows any liquid contained in the container 20 to be sucked out throughthe straw. When the user discontinues inhaling through the straw, thepetals return to their biased closed position, preventing the passage ofair through the orifice.

[0036] The tubes 52 and 60 may be integrally formed with the cover 22 orprovide as separate inserts attached through the orifice 28. Inalternate embodiment of the present invention, the tubes may be locatedon the beverage container side walls, rather than the cover.

[0037]FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the straw 26 illustrating afourth alternate embodiment of the present invention. The straw includesexpandable sections 70. FIG. 7A illustrates the sections in the closedposition. FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of the straw 26 of FIG. 7Aillustrating the sections 70 in the open position. The straw 26 may beused with the cover 22 having the orifice 28 or with any conventionalcover for a beverage container. The sections are pivoted and biased to aclosed position depicted in FIG. 7A. The straw 26 provides additionalprotection against accidental leakage of liquids contained within thecontainer.

[0038] In operation (referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B), when the user is notinhaling through the straw, the sections 70 are collapsed to the closedposition. In this position, liquid may not pass through the straw. Whena user desires to draw liquid through the straw, the user inhales andsucks liquid through the straw. The outflow of air through the strawcauses the sections 70 to expand outwardly, allowing the liquid to passthrough the straw. When the user discontinues inhaling through thestraw, the sections return to their original closed position, therebypreventing the flow of liquids through the straw. Although sections areillustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, any closeable orifice which opens withthe inhalation of air through the straw may be utilized to prevent theflow of liquid through the straw. Additionally, the sections may be aninserted or integrally connected with the interior of the straw.

[0039] The container and cover of the present invention provide manyadvantages over existing beverage/cover system. The container allows auser to confidently lay their beverage container down without the fearof spilling liquid contained within the container. Specifically, thecontainer is biased to prevent any liquid from spilling from thecontainer. In order to drink from the container, the user merely has toinhale through the straw. The cover 22 allows liquid to pass through thestraw automatically by the user inhaling through the straw. Existingbeverage containers requires the user to manually open and closeopenings when drinking is desired. With the cover 22, the user merelyinhales through the straw to allow liquid to pass through the straw.When the user is finished drinking, the container automatically returnsto a closed position preventing the passage of liquid from thecontainer. Thus the user need not perform any additional manipulation toopen or close the beverage container.

[0040] Additionally, the present invention provides additional securityagainst leakage from the straw by utilizing collapsible sections toprevent the undesired passage of liquid through the straw. Again, whenthe user wishes to drink, the user merely inhales on the straw to allowpassage of the liquid. The sections automatically close when the userdiscontinues use of the straw.

[0041] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of thepresent invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. Whilethe apparatus shown and described has been characterized as beingpreferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes andmodifications could be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A selectably closeable straw for use on abeverage container, said straw comprising: a straw having an orificerunning longitudinally through a length of said straw; and closing meansto close a portion of the orifice, said closing means preventing thepassage of liquid through the orifice; whereby a user inhales throughthe straw to open the orifice and allow the passage of liquid throughthe orifice.
 2. The selectable closeable straw of claim 1 wherein theclosing means is a plurality of expandable sections biased to anexpanded position to prevent liquid from passing through the orifice andopening to allow the passage of liquid through the orifice when the userinhales through the straw.
 3. A non-spillable container, the containercomprising: a beverage container holding a liquid within an interior ofthe container; a cover attached to the container, said cover having: astraw opening sized to accommodate a straw; and a vent opening havingselectably closing means for preventing the passage of liquid and airthrough said opening; and a straw inserted within the straw opening,said straw comprising: a straw having an orifice running longitudinallythrough a length of said straw; and closing means to close a portion ofthe orifice, said closing means preventing the passage of liquid throughthe orifice; whereby a user inhales through the straw to open theorifice and allow the passage of liquid through the orifice; whereby thevent opening is biased closed when a user is not drinking from thecontainer and opens when the user inhales through the straw causing thevent opening to be opened and liquid to pass through the straw.
 4. Thenon-spillable container of claim 3 further comprising a sealing meansfor preventing seepage of the liquid from exiting between an exteriorportion of the inserted straw and the straw opening.
 5. Thenon-spillable container of claim 3 wherein the cover is detachable fromthe beverage container.
 6. The non-spillable container of claim 3wherein the closing means includes a diaphragm attached to the ventopening.
 7. The non-spillable container of claim 6 wherein the diaphragmis attached at a plurality of points located on an edge of the ventopening, said diaphragm allowing entry through the vent opening througha plurality of unattached points on the edge of the vent opening.
 8. Thenon-spillable container of claim 3 further comprising a tube extendingdownwardly from the cover to the interior of the beverage container,said vent opening being attached to the tube.
 9. The non-spillablecontainer of claim 8 wherein the vent opening includes a diaphragmattached to the vent opening.
 10. The non-spillable container of claim 9wherein the diaphragm is attached at a plurality of points located on anedge of the vent opening, said diaphragm allowing entry through the ventopening through a plurality of unattached points on the edge of the ventopening.
 11. The non-spillable container of claim 8 wherein the tubeincludes a plurality of expandable petals, said petals biased in aclosed position preventing the passage of the liquid or air until theuser inhales through the straw, thereby opening the petals and said ventopening.
 12. The non-spillable container of claim 3 wherein the closingmeans is a diaphragm having a slit, said slit allowing the passage ofair when the user inhales through the straw.
 13. The non-spillablecontainer of claim 3 wherein the straw includes a plurality of closeablesections, whereby the sections are biased closed to prevent the passageof the liquid through the straw and the sections open when the userinhales through the straw.
 14. The non-spillable container of claim 3wherein the straw includes a closeable opening in which the opening isbiased closed until the user inhales through the straw.